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TerryD'ArcyRyan Mar 2018
a star marking the spot “you are here “
here resides in the wonder of millions
some names, some numbers, the old and the new
from the highest niche seen, a celestial view
the dare to follow a point steeper
the heart pounds mean, skips a beat in between
a pulse racing extreme, into this very moment
greater and closer to the reason

as clear as I live
as far as I can reach
the constant struggle with belief
pushes the wind uphill, with no relief
the ideal we are free as the will to bow our head
one knee is a spirit in repose,  two a heartfelt creed
and still I am weighed with the need
to whisper a prayer of revere when I leave
the unbelievable reach above one expectation
here imagine is the place, hope can still see

daydreams of great wings
simply unfold for closed eyes
a space beyond human affect
entering the threshold onto everything
and nothing more than sky
the places that I would give my life for
the places left long empty with despair
the places held forever kismet
the places marked with a star  “ you are here “

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Jul 2019
a lust to hunt
the pounce of need
poses a tiger unseen
bloodthirsty crouching mean
affliction follows the hunted's dismay
moving about dwelling in debris
overture plays the weak prey
a fragile cry confesses stray
smothered hunger to besiege
redeems a frailty near and dear
the last glance flickers to bleed
laid to rest with battered wings
swallowing earth to flourish seed
fathom sounds weeping for spring
claw, dig and grasp to breathe
fight for the surface of light
live to die savage to be
a place to seethe



Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Mar 2019
she laughs sometimes
as I look in her eyes
bright like the sunlight
I keep my disguise

her garden produces
upon command
turning the land  
I dig with her hands

we  bide side by side
holding tight seeds that are me
love and hate are buried here
pushing flowers sweet

  water drops splatter
a storm at our fingertips
these tears are hers
she asked me for this

there in the garden
we sat without blame
season's of wonder fade their color
life's marrow remains

she laughs sometimes
      as I look in her eyes      
bright like the sunlight
I keep my disguise




Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Sep 2018
pursuing the moon with a spark of bleached light
a pendant ride along flume marks the sky for time
the roar of a constant flight warns down the line
a serpent's path in a fly by night, tightly rolling tale
speed is the means and meaner on these rails
track endures every mile marker past perpetual
escaped steam taunts with a slow hiss and miss
leader with a grinding ax and wind of the iron spit
cadence is the sound of steels sync and cast
the clank of iron on track stacked for rolling fast
passes any beast around worth a match
the wheels a seizing master of tortured might
to this man made beast now a soaring steed
down the line a tremble is the fair warning heed
vibrations count seconds to the sight of steam
a peak of bleak light blinds with a stout beam
fear stands clear this fueled Goliath feeds a need
built for a rolling fury, Rebel Engine #353




Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Aug 2018
I wrote your obituary today
spun from hearts of gold
the slow art in molding clay
lines of ink pull the string
connects the energy unseen
now a box sewn complete
at the point of a needle
enamored in a reach to trace
the memory of your face
stretched as far as I inspire
hope drops me like an anchor
guards the safe shore
the dark inside cold waters deliver
shroud a heart in despair
fury is born to breathe the open air
move unfailing, the current in a river
drowning my calls for the dead
with closed eyes and a lowered head
my whispers are a mothers prayer
asking redemption and more
to look beyond heaven's door


Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
Oh, Mother hear my Roar,  a roar of Thunder
to stop the rain’s devour
my flood of tears deprive color
bouquets fade like the cinders of a fire
blossoms I grew with my own hands care
hands that left my beauty so dear
beauty she resides with the smallest of Stars
a sliver of diamond shining in the dark
under a moon of riots and war
Oh, Mother hear my Roar,  a roar of thunder


Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
This Poem was written for my Mother.  Memory's of my Mother take me back to a time when women were not thought of as equal to Men. A time when abuse of any kind remained secret and women silent. My Mother would ask for my silence in glances and actual words if angry enough. She wasn't ready for me I was born to Roar.  The Love that flows through a generation of Women is woven here in my words for my daughter Natalie, mother Marilee, grandmother Gladys and my special great grand ma Cassy.  Death has not changed my heart,  you are still are blood of my blood, "Oh Mother, hear me Roar". If you are still reading thank you and God Bless
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
sunshine bends a knee in vigil
seeking absolution's hell
the steeper edge of steel
balance beam of a trail
the driving wheel
is Spiked for the ****
a heart in trespass
rigged like a printing press
cut from raw intensity
a Bad seed wild and free
                            blood of my blood is destiny's tongue                                                                        
the devil is my kin
swimming in gin
drowning inside to simply be still
sinking deeper into gradual
furious and gently we lose will
angel’s tears fill my quill
shedding the reach of a mind idle
regrettable and suicidal
a ledge’s last chance to dance
this box in need of one last nail
                                 leaving with a tourniquet smile                                                                                                  
defined failure
bluffing on a blind
             no chance of a winner            


Terry Darcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
sunshine bends a knee in vigil
seeking absolution's hell
the steeper edge of steel
balance beam of a trail
the driving wheel
is Spiked for the ****
a heart in trespass
rigged like a printing press
cut from raw intensity
a Bad seed wild and free
blood of my blood is destiny's tongue                                                                        
the devil is my kin
swimming in gin
drowning inside to simply be still
sinking deeper into gradual
furious and gently we lose will
angel’s tears fill my quill
shedding the reach of a mind idle
regrettable and suicidal
a ledge’s last chance to dance
this box in need of one last nail
leaving with a tourniquet smile                                                                                                  
defined failure
bluffing on a blind
no chance of a winner            



Terry Darcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
sleep is the dream
projection holds entirely to this belief
that hope is a place to be seen
though miles gained while the ideal slept
a peace of mind reaches safety
forgotten for the lie that is me
a stubborn truth covered in blankets
tossed while the rinse was final
the illusion of living charmed for real
below the cut of hammered steel
fearless is the lack of will to conceal
a wish is simply a slight pull of the wheel
sleep walking my sorrow still
beyond this memory or this dream
left in a place far and in between
heaven and hell
                

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Feb 2018
the reticent stance
****** and silenced
exploited beyond a stranger provoked
labeled with a gaze from the heavens above
beautiful lifeless seduction
a posture of unselfish significance
cradling irreparable breaks
these fractures lay across the surface in reach
weaving into veins
running transparent
in the face of grace

perpetual standing ornament
earned years of gold and graying color
instilling times ruthless design
sympathy unwinds for blood left behind
the feel of separation with every piece taken
in waters that rage vast
her reflection cast
solid stone ruling sublime
rich and rough against a surface
striking hard and reckless
to a solidified center

twilight calls a land to order
prompting a dark curtain to call
and thoughts of a prayer for the mortal
all of which she can and cannot hear
like the sound of thunder distinct and eerie
with a hammer and chisel
breathes the sculptor of bone and matter
broken battered figurine clatter
turning a grave into impressions of control
mercy has no hands here
to Hold her sorrow still
magnificent and well defined stone
imprison her soul

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
you wondered in
with a Cheshire grin
eyes made for sin
I'm all in
ready for the trip
next hit or miss
the spike of lightening's strike
not once but twice
blinded by the flashes
streaks of color found
the long way around
an unexpected place
caught me indeed
swept me off my feet
looked me up and down
face to face
close and secret
our eyes ready to devour
the first layer
caught right there
crashing through the urge to tear
stranger's arm to arm
in the need
the pushing force of a stampede
pull of a stranger's kiss
a punch in the face
force the twisting gears
the sweet candy taste
drops of colors
all of them
even sparkles
odd hints of tinted shade
smashed in whole
shapes of hunger
new an old
lost and found
touching me insane
lacking restraint
jolly ranchers gone extreme
falling the instant
lips collide
a push purely ravenous
  a taste of cherry snow
frozen delight
stalking me dizzy  
cuz a banana split melts quickly
sugar coma coming into focus
turning from the stranger
that salty shiver of surrender
still in his sights
a tingling of zots
fresh on my lips
the war of sweet and sour
promising kismet
wrapped in a kiss
I need a straight coke
and a  shot of pop rocks
this guy is Cherries Garcia
with an angel's touch
cotton candy shades of blue
floating softly in the sky
beyond a dream
just around the corner
over the rainbow
lost on every aisle
gazing deep
into the icee machine
sugar buzz black out
left me
standing alone

Terry Darcy-Ryan







dedicated to my little sister, the Ginger Ninja
nothing but Love
TerryD'ArcyRyan Mar 2020
light strikes
beneath the cracks
spiral maps
trace broken glass
splinter and refract
mirror to a view
a fleeting likeness
an image to please
the beauty
you see
bows to the lie
gives in believe
inspires a disguise
as a smile to greet
destiny frees
the willing to need
sight of a dream
keep us serene
tossed hearts of stone
skip the surface
battered to beat
the sinking weight
plunges deep
ripples the water break
adrift bittersweet
hands of a river
surrender to feed
a thread of device
sewn of means
seam to seam
the intricate scheme
pull laces upon strings
reap an infinite weave
a gathered neat
strangled remedy


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Feb 2018
silent dares
slow engraved exchanges
the primitive evolution of rage
only the fittest will survive
hostility now has a spot at the table
there are no more place settings
the silver is set out perfect
a spoon, casts an oblong reflection
now, even the utensils see
there is nothing left of self respect
only the silver distorted version
of who I don't know, it is not me

strange little pieces
I swallow them over and over
when no one is watching
jagged little shards
cutting away at my insides
beauty she cries night and day
she has no idea that I’m killing her
I want her to stay
beauty is almost gone
the last parts, tiny odd slivers
are hidden away, in the bottom of my closet
vague, sharp and bitter no longer beauty

the path of least resistance
it's the only way to success
real images jump and regress
nothing takes a shape or focus
the fall and crash of glass
a precious mirror reflects what matters 
beauty is unaware 
images move slower and unclear
flashes of my father in a mirror
in this corner the heavyweight contender
my husband, my beloved, beauty's keeper
time merges and flickers closer

the path of least resistance
it's the only way to success 

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Mar 2018
The light no longer exist
Only the dark and darkness is all I see
Deep in this under tow or psychotic shade
I sit with the obscurity that wicked made
to what end
Overlooked by veil or disguise
a spotlight in reprise

this ominous dark curtain drop
far beyond center stage a place marked X
from the blue sky's to my demise
his place is not hell this is dead in denial
late for the reaper and one last kiss
a dull sinkhole short of the abyss
writing in my head a plot and  a twist
the unreliable and suicidal list

darkness steps inside
devouring every nerve I hide
a paralyzing strangle
pressure from every angle
suppressed screams die within  
this predator's dream land
breathing escapes me
Movement leaves
against a constrictions reach
speech betrays again
sounds intense and stunning
listening still
the last melody hitting my ear
the breaking of bones
my shattering frame
  I did not recognize agony's
hiss and surrender

a soft vibration begins to rattle
a growl that began slow
made for the roar of a battle
Deafening
to the Echo inside my head
a sensation of hot water
dripping hot rain
Saliva running off huge fangs
waiting the command
a Bite deep in flesh
again and again

deep in the dark I've been set free  
piece by piece as a hunger feeds
a virtual force indeed
I suddenly see
behind the creature's eyes, my eyes
monstrous vision
to prey with Precision
darkness is everywhere
that's where I will be

I am the face screaming beneath a crack in the Ice
I am the scratch at the surface of you scared pale white
I am the movement in the dark you cannot see
I am the shine in a child’s smile while hiding a knife
I am Still alive, soaked in black and I am not alone
I am coming to tuck you in your bed
bless you with my kiss
to the sound of breaking bones




            Terry D’Arcy Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Dec 2019
fear drives the dark
death rides sight unseen
devise a wicked threshold
miles gained while catching sleep
lost dreams and vague debris
passersby and inbetweens
the momentum of obscurity

time flickers in a snap
flees an instance
outline against brights beam
a moving silhouette
the weight of grief
hanging from trees
regret breathes in sweet
the swing of the dead

the tears of misery bleed
soon to seed
sharp stabs seeking green
a means to plunge deep
seeking a pulse to beat
true goes the steady stream
flowing tree to tree


shadowy bends bow to break
twisted sprigs move climbing feet
knotted tangled trunks beneath
a crown of twigs joined to extend
obscure limbs held content
a sea of branches transcends
rises steep to oversee
beyond the leaves



Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Aug 2018
stars slowly diminish
darkness completes
still we feel the suffers of heat
the fever suspends in the thick
a velvet’s texture mix
clinging to skin as if drowned
dawn flexes, stretches and surrounds
as the last of struggling stars obscound
sunlight strikes without a sound
grabbing and stabbing clusters
loyal fray guarding reaches of dark
the sun rises content and goes to work

dawn's temper dares and flares
leading mobs to the extreme
a simple day can claim 120 degrees
misery keeps no company here
lust begins with fear
and the hunt for shade
any hue of obscurity a rare breed
creatures scurry free stalking unseen
gila monsters are a venoms lounge
despite the screams to leave

this forsaken oasis
sits ringside to hazards door
bright by right a rising star
a blazing sunmade world
rendering addicts galore
jonesing for a breeze or more
bent backs slave to the hustle and flo
fiends circling to numb a mad core
the hole dug deeper
wind indeed She seldom has a show

a quandry rolls in  
a circling wall of dust a curtain of rain
she comes riding in
on a Kicked up Beast of sand
a lasso in hand
wrangling hounds
and the force of nature
hitting the ground
blow to blow these animals
defend her round after round
the elements are primed
coming out in breakaway swing    
a punch and a weave
dust of demons bend a knee

this is the end of the line
hell is just past the next sign
devils play here long into limbo’s curfew
escape by any means regrettable
here the heat plays for keeps
the dead man’s hand
the sun aims again
with both barrels
the sound comes undone
another round just for fun
the sun reaches down
closes the man's eyes and crosses his arms
embrace the heat or R I P


Terry  D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan May 2019
depravities light
summons the night
bringing darkness down
pushing from inside
a glimpse in the dark
covers the spark
steals your breath
circles profound
sight unseen
falls at your feet
bends to the knee
begins to crawl
learns to seethe
closes the eyes
subtle to bound
drives a fear beside
the pull of a string

a shortcut in madness
takes the first step
the foggy deceit
is the visible leap
the catch is the plea
a moments release
lost to the world
captured and free
steps up
takes a swing
hits high above
jumps to and from
hand to hand and back again
steals to keep
slides straight home
crossing before you can find
left it all behind

blinded bright
framed for headlights
subtle and found
urges homeward bound
a vivid memory
versus a rhyme
turns about
in the face of time
reality bleeds
tucked in between
unravelling dreams
blown about longings
misplaced in haste
fated against obscure limbs
move about in shadows
the interfering trees
dance with the wind

a flowers stem
bent for will
begging ever still
to touch with a reach
the small outline in distress
begs a lingering caress
holding true a belief to redeem
something far and in between
caught inside a raging stream
whispers rushing the ear
building into screams
howls from the deep
to the bellow of a beast
calling for misery
to hope and hide
follow side by side
drag a thing to bury
fury



Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan May 2019
depravities light
summons the night
bringing darkness down
pushing from inside
a glimpse in the dark
covers the spark
steals your breath
circles profound
sight unseen
falls at your feet
bends to the knee
begins to crawl
learns to seethe
closes the eyes
subtle to bound
drive a fear beside
the pull of a string

a shortcut in madness
takes the first step
the foggy deceit
is the visible leap
the catch is the plea
a moments release
lost to the world
captured and free
steps up
takes a swing
hits high above
jumps to and from
hand to hand and back again
steals to keep
slides straight home
crossing before you can find
left it all behind

blinded bright
framed for headlights
subtle and found
urges homeward bound
a vivid memory
versus a rhyme
turns about
in the face of time
reality bleeds
tucked in between
unravelling dreams
blown about longings
misplaced in haste
fated against obscure limbs
move about in shadows
the interfering trees
dance with the wind

a flowers stem
bent for will
begging ever still
to touch with a reach
the small outline in distress
begs a lingering caress
holding true a belief to redeem
something far and in between
caught inside a raging stream
whispers rushing the ear
building into screams
howls from the deep
to the bellow of a beast
calling for misery
to hope and hide
follow side by side
drag a thing to bury
drawing breath for fury



Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
forged noble thread
guides a knife to cut or trace
sewing as you slumber
belief is a place right here
inside the very outline
to the scar on your face
time has not erased
the momentary recall
planted in the center
holding tightly to regret
humbled by the force
an energy that lives between us
the always spinning final chance
forgoing lost or found
reminisce in love’s true kiss
but disregard the vow  
grasping for the single reason
beyond what is clear
the day by day cheer
disguising a familiar fear
expression of a coward
an accessory to the hustle
left behind with souvenirs
a voice named forgotten
holds on sincere
having your cake and eat it dear
is a million mile detour
from what is real
to a girl with the most cake
a knife is just a knife
there is no death to mourn
no martyr to end betrayal
a final thread in motion
brings destiny to her feet
a magnificent stretch unfolds her wings  
I am set free
with the fate of a butterfly
trapped inside a jar
the weight of agony’s pain calls
for soul’s that cannot fly
with a bended knee and closed eyes
arms held wide
I reach for the sky


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Feb 2018
the skyline holds time as shadows vanish
darkness claims the sunset like an avalanche
faint sounds from the passing of the sun
wake aging prophets
an old street shines like half a moon
stops signs and streetlights bend for recollection
illuminating the way back home
like feathers in the wind
I claim this place in memory's defense
taunting me, calling me, inspiring a visit
enlightened shortcuts of madness beg me to exist
winds reunite the path where I always kept watch
alive again and moved by the serenading locust
mother's whistle signals a last minute warning
Eager faces turn intent for the race that fly's us home
barefooted barely touching the asphalt
flying for the victor’s just reward
measured over and forever the chase to our front door
with a birds pace we keep foot to foot, over and again
yes we're here, ear to ear keeping the perfect pace
transcendent is this place
Indignant will begins the pretense
ignoring all exits
I am once more the Gatekeeper
miles mark our years endeared
life has dealt us hands separate and fatal
trailing again I let you win,
now you stand deep in my sight
catching your breath, to be claimed triumphant
all my senses dive in for the quench
as hope drops me like an anchor
every tingling nerve that is my existence
runs fated and bound
now you stand deep in my essence
assured by your eyes so alive
our giggles and stares
in an instant I become the intruder
found failing, time mocks and stalks me
I would give all right here and now
to hold your hand, warm with life
I become resistant and mighty as the Titan
sure to win by force or stride
I've counted insane these links in my chain
still destiny sentences you to remain
hand in hand I pull you close and life takes you back
this tradition, time demands
endless subtle calls
the voice I follow home
a last minute escape
possessing a map of this world
a place in time
where I find you alive

Terry D'Arcy-Ryan



Michael Gene Dorsey
May 21st, 1966 to April 11, 2011
For my brother Michael. I am the gatekeeper my job will never end.  I love you.
TerryD'ArcyRyan Jan 2020
a conjured motion
breathes the air
blows the wind
an elegant stir
impressions blur
scatter to be seen  
the upstage of a dream
a flash to a flickr
Overture in a phantom
one leap follows
another carves hollow
reflects a surface shallow
the recall of your face
captured in our space  
shadows bent into a view
intangible hammers sway
nurture to a frame
repose for a grand scheme
moving evanescence fonder
the smile waking wonder
surrendered under glass
covet a parallel perfection
fierce wild screams
drown the enchant
the bewildered struggle  
a devoured motion
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
acceleration gives flight, **** the metal rip ties
instinct breaks through power on a leash
momentum turns to fearless an engine now complete
velocity is true to the bluff of cold steel
incentive for this 1000 pounds of real
a recurring urge hits to turn into the rail
it never leaves, never will
compromise pulls back for something instilled
to exceed above a place called freewill
fight or flight forges a river sweet
peripheral screams of flashes and streams
the dark side of sunset on her knees
color has surrendered her semblance
blurring lights as if crude or pointless
a race across the frontier of near moments
hopes best plans are a stalemate
white knuckle grip and aim
constant motion in the steering
automatic reaction seeks a blind ingenuity
break dodge and weave, breathe
holding out for opportunity with an invite
eager whispers creeping oh so neat
a predator smiles wide in the rear site
last chance exit, and a hail to the saint’s
a game of russian roulette with both hands in place




Terry D’arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Jul 2019
grand towering limbs
reach to meet
branches a flourishing keep
twigs to trunks create
a stretch to breathe
crooked seedlings bow in need
live to die, and sow to reap
sewn together a needle to seam
hand to cheek
a means plunges deep
moves a steady pulse to bleed
seeping shallows underneath
beating tree to tree
a hollow quant and sweet

free will drives the darkness
a gesture to greet
the animal unseen
shadows join in to deceive
the passerby and inbetweens
a hunter to a prey
the profile of trees  
dazed in the headlight beams
outline reality as a thief
stealing moments
yet to be
the forgotten trinkets  
hang from trees

a keepsake for a figurine
trapped beads concede
to a broken string
fall along the wayside
finding hope is still free
playing content in the wind
chasing tossed debris
gathering leaves
one by on they fall weak
remnant colors in deceit
raise to a scatter
a boundless retreat
content to repeat
the redeeming sweep


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Jul 2019
grand towering limbs
reach to meet
branches a flourishing keep
twigs to trunks create
a stretch to breathe
crooked seedlings bow in need
live to die, and sow to reap
sewn together a needle to seam
hand to cheek
a means plunges deep
moves a steady pulse to bleed
seeping shallows underneath
beating tree to tree
a hollow quant and sweet

free will drives the darkness
a gesture to greet
the animal unseen
shadows join in to deceive
the passerby and inbetweens
a hunter to a prey
the profile of trees  
dazed in the headlight beams
outline reality as a thief
stealing moments
yet to be
the forgotten trinkets  
hang from trees

a keepsake for a figurine
trapped beads concede
to a broken string
fall along the wayside
finding hope is still free
playing content in the wind
chasing tossed debris
gathering leaves
one by on they fall weak
remnant colors in deceit
raise to a scatter
a boundless retreat
content to repeat
the redeeming sweep


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2020
pretty as a picture
he holds her secure
in the palm of his hand
the force of a gesture
devours every breathe
a relentless caress
forever, is one last kiss

a tiny red light, a float in the nigh
shadows outline it's conductor
relished in a smoke delight
the hunter's stance
leans with a framed intent
a stalker relents
crouching silent

this is clear
as a whisper in the ear
the hunter is precisely near
thrilled in every utter of the struggle
a cascade of links unravel
distant cries fall
a clatter of metal

pretty as a picture
he holds her secure
in the palm of his hand
the force of a gesture
devours every breathe
a relentless caress
forever, is one last kiss



Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Nov 2018
a warning shot
triggers the clock
heads turn to every second
enters the flip of a magnet

a distinction to please
entropy finds a seat
takes the rein
broken strings gathered neat

provokes an impulse
the overture tumbles
pushes a soft warm breeze
leans in with an ease
steals the air I breathe
holds the key


Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Sep 2019
a passageway assembled in perfection
hues claim blue for reflection
conjured depth’s ensue
a violet isolation
the design of oblivion
no fleeting moment can abscond
all must fall or fly the horizon
these obscurities hold my untold
blinded in hidden tradition
  secrets folded over delicate
           clouds of warm winter blankets          
trapped captive to an attic
lay inside the sunny side of regret
hope tapping on the window pane
a rap for the mocking
sounds a cadence walking
the rhythm of keys jingling
turning on a swinging chain
the view soars beyond iron bars  
watch over a skylined corridor
through a cracked mirror
searching for a lost child
gone far into the abyss
grey clouds shed tears
  a mothers anguish
roars for a thunders rest
sadness mourns while evanescent
the wonder of a child spirit
reaches beyond the pieces left behind
the shine through this essence as divine
empty arms holding tight to stolen time
destiny fight’s to unwind
the labyrinth

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Feb 2018
monstrous sound slashes silence
the bellow of a giant beast,
the flutter of a thousand wings
elevation and indiscriminate creed will not heed
sinister stirs the mix, the rise of wicked extravagance
black feathers flutter to bewilder against the pale frontier
the mock of a starlings flight, the fall in a sparrow’s might
countless sullen wings unfold, to rally their squadrons for show
a mobbing cry meets a redeeming sky,
their rising tones mimic heaven heralding high
contrast to the core, countless black rap-tor destroy
the fading blue sapphire display
a rebel twist in the storm suspends them again
harbingers dawning
a verge of wonder, stands close
the small dark outlines, bask a golden shine
peripheries slight motion, a graceful shimmer
perched as an alert, the slight snap of the fingers
a single feather cascades
turning in the elegant dance of a ballerina's descent
laying at the step vaguely pointing to the entrance,
the pride of a black bird,
there is no place for an Omen here,
one last frailty, is my secret near and dear

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Oct 2018
trapped in a snare
captivated by the glare
a primitive trap its clear
the startle from a borrowed gesture
provoked the out gunned deer
trespassing all fear
a perch the measure of a wire
hovering the dawn of a fighter

conviction is the large leaps
belief the hesitant small steps
slumber holds every wonder
keeps your eyes on the prize
hope is still the promise
beating rain from the sky
bliss performs a final trick
now yellow bricks are only bricks

cannot choose a side
constitutes a place to abide
self preservation yields
an action ambivalent to strife
the cowardly deceit
a willing disguise
once upon a time
begins again, and despite

feeds the hand of despair
narrows the mind
bleeds what remains
slowly carves a heart in vain
free to balance a chain
the high price of pain
renders a perpetual device
incapable of compromise

push back or die
swallow the vile
be the end to denial
nothing is final
the fire inside struggle
rises beyond rubble
shines for a reluctant fighter
captivated by the glare
trapped in a snare


                                            Terry Darcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Sep 2019
shade bleeds a velvet texture
stretching far and wide
strides to smother
clawed hands grasping thread
rip apart layers to shed
bear the stains of men
rise and swagger free
struggle to breathe  
steps in spites deceit
skipping stones of jaded debris
trail of tears, a sculpters need
vacant rows of burdened clay
broken back, bent to gather neat
harvesting the last belief



Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Mar 2018
knots and weaves
windward gales quickly deceive
ever moving the undertow
constant curves dip in the winds and below
blowing off the waters deep
leaving a mist so sweet
hand to cheek
blue waters press further
possessed by the wind
willful turbines stay in sync completing the cycle
shaping and sculpting the swells
creating an undertow struggling to be free
choose to swallow in pleasure
choose to wallow with the pain
an answer returns with demand
beating fists upon the sand
the wind answers back with violent command
to the tides, to the swells, to the surges, hit the rip current
so powerful, so aggressive, she intimidates
all to catch the craze
ocean, she see's and waves
man is met
sized and weighed


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Oct 2018
the serrated edge of steel
cuts a heart deeper to still
the sharp insisting texture
hard press a pulse severe
desires first words
pull into the soft of a whisper
the fall inside of bliss
denial is romance with a kiss
the ordinary dance
for a game of chance
promise names the secret
a hand on a veil
temptation poisons the apple
hope will devour
nudge drives the push
the senses provoke a passion
a pendulum of wishful momentum
surrenders to simply broken
holds the mystery in beauty
wakes sleeping brutality
she stretches and stands
begins a two step warning
the clack of metal
a ping to timbre
a round to a chamber
slow moves the action deep in a scream
the sound of a shot complete
stirs a marrow sweet
as a magnet lacks compromise
****** repeats the beat
a tongue to the cheek
down to the last shell
a hate infallible
cuts a heart deeper to still
the serrated edge of steel


Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
the darkest frame takes the moon
mist and hues rise in blues
traces from a lunacy glow
follow a hand with delicate flow
this flickering serene movement
comes and goes as a wing unfolds
graceful, staggering movements of perfection
magnificent to behold in the dark night
I search through perfection in the light of a star
charmed to the point of complete and divine
dreams finally come and you are still mine
our happily ever after still has time
moments chase away this place of illusion
life wakes and takes you again
the crown of an angel falls through all that I am
we are bound a heart to a beat
heart of mine is the one left behind
an essence that has never known unbroken
the will of my single soul believes
the darkest of the ****** can be redeemed
I am eluded a slave to each breath’s inception
works the same as expectation  
denial sits upright complete with begging  
black is black there is no semblance
it is the smallest grasp of poison
seeping to the center mass of my gravity
always reaching and touching ever still
this core carved out piece by piece
a sliver of the least has outlived the stakes
letting go bows down to enormous regret
still I can see this angel of mine awaits for what will be
supra separation from this broken living space
closer to a revenant heart
leading to a state of grace


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
For Natalie
TerryD'ArcyRyan Feb 2018
each counted piece
claimed scot free
beautiful designer name’s
boosted in a hunter’s craze
hustled hope for beggar’s pay
strictly spent audacity
dollars in hand
turns an eye the devils way
it adds up fast, cut the stack in half
traded for a getaway
let it ride another day
living in a higher space
the rent is steep, edge of a mountain peak
separates the sow and the reap
and every breath in between
intoxicated on possibility
the grit to devour and shine,
the essence I define
insatiably taking what’s mine
watching the bottom line,
wise to the final count,
a sum of all things
the take

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Oct 2018
the thing that remains

beside your ring

the perfect pitch walks across skin

pursues kept emotion

crouching, advancing, staying alive

climbing the high dive

barred from the top pier

hammered wings flutter

a tiger pacing the floor

higher ground is one room over

still a step down is the lure

regrets keep the watch on forever

every shut of the door a betrayal

beyond sight leads to denial

hoping away and all the while

missing the idea

mile upon mile

hand on the dial

switching the channel

the nick of time to enamored

another color ready to dazzle

bliss knows no secret

still the smallest impair

tight against the inner ear

that is your fear

thread and woven to follow

the forged end of a needle

keeping a clock down to the chime

trapped in the sound of a whisper

beneath the threshold of a promise

quickly measured for sacrifice

sorrow swings a rope despite

the subtle slip of a knife

a seamless wreckage haste

night becomes today

and the thing that remains



Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Jul 2019
a perfect balance struggles neat
slow reaches step to please
the silky flow follows a rhythm
life moving below at a steady hum
each breathe taken
manuever sways
stills the swing of a string
swiftly shredding ribbons beneath
the highwire means to an end


Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Aug 2018
the devil walked in the room
first thoughts are to exit calmly
a round of sounds complete his entrance artfully
chimes, alarms, a decadent trumpet plays the senses curiously
mysterious it would be to refuse a grave impulse
the hand opens simply
the upright begging posture holds methodical to his evil core
releasing a despair so cunning, a predator smiles sincere
tiny little prickles rushing, cautioning, faithful and dear
become an elegant dance of tingles paired along my spine in fear  
trust denies the plea and the ego shines in a craving for sinister
instant addiction, the ever soft whisper in a mere Hello
promise opens with a red licorice smile and a hunters glow
a presence so cunning
massive weight a mere feather drifting to the floor
every peak in my pulse cuts deeper to an undiscovered center
negotiations owns every breath that awards the monster  
desperation, so comfortable with descent and further
an intoxicating reach and a strength that could free the blind
seduction defines and entwines me into the exquisite serpentine
****** shaping sweet curving as the wet rocks of a river’s flow
temptation to the hang of a spider's woven row’s of show
sticky webbed surrender, the perfect jagged rocks below
powerless to leave or disappear now
the devil walked in the room



Terry Darcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Nov 2018
the scope in a turning view
ties the hands high over hues
embodies a mask of black
a sticky webbed deceit
stretched over eyes

plays mean for a wicked need
an intricate motion is the catch
shrewd dominates the luminesce
flickers of surrender are devoured
creates a tangled flux

tears of a flower lost in color
cluster in pale beams
sight slivers in reflection
the shine climbing a slide
slips through the mind

hums a childhood rhyme
steps over time so far
singing a wish upon a star
a joyous scatter for chairs
circle to stop is the anxious feed

tricked in a play for keeps
recruits a ball for a chain
conspires a passion to redeem
aims high and jumps beyond
slows to a falling speed

the heart of an arrow
beeline threw a target
buries deep a sharp point
passes screams in between
patches of a quilt lacking seam
ever sleeps the weaver of dreams



Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2019
another sky disappears
there are no more doors
only stars in a window
a splendid reflection
the avalanche of reminisce
feeding suffocated wishes
hopeless severed lines
call the waste of time
lost fear stays obscure
the darkness ever tied
across my eyes
the shadows jump and climb
keeping safe the remains
a lock to a chain
the wait tightens as I hang
a tightly woven web
and here is where
I fear you less


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Aug 2018
freewill seduces the hand of our action
one eye amused by the world in a spin
another keeps time in a rival trend
dishonorable power feeds a beggars need
moving pieces and pawns for ruthless destruction  
the king's pleasure caters misery’s reception
creation a cascading opus of small scraps
the descent of humanity in disarray
we cling to the rule of thumb
the blind will lead the dumb
a hunt astute with catch and release
hope has never worked so hard for the foolish
the sport of chance completes the wish for peace
stalking tyranny to her infinite sleep  
the bigger picture keeps us guessing shapes in the sky  
holding tight the hand of freedom as we weep


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Feb 2018
we walk the stone
burden headlong and bold
ready for another blow
hold to the brutality
the vice against our bone
side by side we prevail alone
the weak break and erode
an eternal battle of the undertow
we take our hits
feel it hardest to the soul
on our knees we settle our hearts
ear to the core
hear the grinding toll
each piece honed
chips of bone disappear like snow
there is no hush of the abating groan
the sum we owe and stash for mediocre
grating over simple
the indifference of will
seeking a silent vigil
encouraging a place reserved for the ****
we are free
as the pressing need
to calm a stone machine
endless crimes, hustles and lies
sink us to deeper depths
a tight embrace of every breath
a slow drowning reach
that much closer to our mercy
in a state of grace she will concede
bowed for a head shot inscription
buried strand of honor
lived against the stone
engraved for display
to complete
your grave

Terry D'Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Jan 2020
twilights habitual reach
trickles softly
arises a shade covering
drapes the frame to a view
imposes with a lean
lounges in a requiem
perched upon a window brink
fallen sleepless again
gazing the horizon

inspires a simple measure
the shimmer closer
a marvel of visible light
strikes the window blind
touches battered and savage
scatters in a sea of sparks
impressions delight
the agony to defy
the stars falling from my eyes

a push to a step
a plunge in the luminesce
entwined inside a twinkling
twisting, turning ,receding
dwindles for a crushing flux
spills of white
shine of gold
spinning silver bright
dims the darkness cold

soar in the heavens
seek to find
a place to die
no remorse
not a single cry
the smallest things
now hidden inside
this is where
I reside


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Jul 2019
the relentless unbroken light
breathes in the fathom night
walking darkness one last time
tousled red silk strands ignite
dying strings for bleaches smite

ruthless emerges with the sun
hits behind a mask of dust
window shades and layered rust
the broke back addict bent in more
buys sight unseen face to the floor

begging beauty for something to reflect
the fuel to feed hopes neglect
turns the wheel in a kaleidoscope effect
colors splattered over shattered glass
spinning silver in lights finesse

pressing images in depth of design
waves engulf a surge to tide
spilling over twilight's gloom
a knee upon surrendered doom
the world a blossom in perilous bloom

petals sculpt destined wings
rise in hue to sail or sink
fall from the sky in battered might
scatter fireflies cluttered bright
fiery spots stretching the sky

illumination over wonder
the artist’s splendor
hand to a chisel and hammer
creator carving bone into matter
seeker of perfection in a spine

the humble tumble freewill’s divide
a chance of life or death divine
as they crumble side by side
reaching for heaven to find
the relentless unbroken light
This is  a rewrite it was a trapise of light and now after added lines and editing I have come closer to what I was trying to say
TerryD'ArcyRyan Feb 2018
I am a hypocrisy twisting turning from wrong to right
lunacy identifies and claims me while in plain sight
black and white define my movement, I am
                        Renegade

the home I left is shaken, a snow globe scattered soft
one more piece set free in the fragments that remain
anger crushing calling to jump off the edge, I am
                           Fury

already deemed a lost cause repeat offender at large
a choir of innocence sings my deception
one last measure for retrospect I confess, I am
                        Suspect

my denial is the promise of bliss, a glimpse into oblivion’s empire, the fall of the mighty is overkill and gets me nowhere
survival is the fuel to my star’s fire, brighter than ever, I am
                        Conviction

an unexpected gift, don't you see your betrayal set me free
daydreams of black wings and letters full of lies
the pieces taken for prison are replaced with tenacity
                    I am, Sheer-Terror

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan
TerryD'ArcyRyan Apr 2018
when a sparrow dies
does it touch one thing
does it drop
limb to limb
does it rattle
the whole Tree

Yes, I'm a tree
don't you see
forever reaching
to the sky
a better view
into you
always, growing, twisting, turning
into what I can't move
growing around you

And you, the ever strong
un-moving stone
here I am outshone
impaired beyond despair
a fate come undone
we enhance and embrace
a solid rock frame
creating the ordinary monument
a place to see your name

When a sparrow dies
does it touch one thing
does it hit
branch to branch
does it ****
the whole tree







                       Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

— The End —